A variety of food booths line the festival grounds. [Photo by JSS Marketing]
The first Galbani Festa Italiana of Wellington will celebrate Italian culture, food, music and traditions at the Wellington Amphitheater on March 29 and 30. This highly anticipated festival will offer an immersive experience featuring authentic Italian cuisine, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and family-friendly activities.
A variety of food booths will line the festival grounds, and attendees can indulge in such classics as sausage and peppers, pasta, pizza, Italian ice and zeppole.
The La Cucina Galbani Cooking Stage will present demonstrations by chefs such as Marco Sciortino. Known for his charisma and expertise, Sciortino will showcase signature Italian dishes that incorporate traditional flavors with a modern twist. The presenters will include local culinary talent, such as Anthony Acampa from Fats Where the Flavors At.
Attendees also can enjoy free Voga Wine seminars with tastings and expert insights.
The festival’s Beachside Golf Cars Stage will feature Italian-American entertainers and tribute performances. Virginia Sinicki from “The KVJ Show” on 97.9-FM WRMF will emcee the entertainment. Highlights include:
• Blonde Ambition, a Madonna tribute.
• A Rat Pack tribute.
• Tony Quaranti performing the Sinatra songbook.
• Angelo Venuto.
• Philippe Harari.
• Anthony Nunziata.
• Elio Scaccio.
Bring chairs and blankets for general seating. Available as VIP options, including cocktail service, are reserved stage pods (seating for four; $100 per day, including admission) and VIP villas (10-by-10 tents with seating for eight; $500 for Saturday, $300 for Sunday, $700 for both).
For families, the festival will feature carnival rides, games and kid-friendly activities hosted by Little Smiles, the festival’s official charity partner. Little Smiles is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing joy to children facing difficult times.
Special attractions:
• Aperol Spritz Piazza — Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and Aperol Spritz in an Italian-inspired lounge.
• Moretti Beer Garden — Raise a toast with Italian Birra Moretti beer.
• Schumacher Auto Group Family Picnic Area — Relax, eat and enjoy live entertainment.
• Sicilian Oven Pizza Eating Contest.
• Galbani Celebrity Cheese Stacking Competition for Charity.
Galbani is presenting the festival with support from Beachside Golf Cars, Schumacher Auto Group, Aperol Spritz, American Bath and Shower, Stormtight Windows, Birra Moretti, Voga Italia, The Mall at Wellington Green, Fats Where the Flavors At, and Tom Cerrito of Cerrito Electric, whose efforts were instrumental in bringing the festival to Wellington.
Admission details:
• Admission — $5; children 12 and under free with an adult.
• VIP seating is available for purchase at eventbrite.com.
• Hours — 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
• More information — wellingtonfestaitaliana.com.
